Dear You,

I have heard the way people talk to you and about you when it comes to your intelligence. I have heard from your mouth the way those comments make you feel. I am sorry I’ve never said anything before, but I think you are brilliant.

I see your intelligence in the way you ask questions. You are not afraid to ask about anything, even if others laugh at the “stupidity” or “strangeness” of it. You seek answers because you are not content to live a life of ignorance. You want to know as much as you can, no matter how trivial the topic seems to others. I admire you for that.

You also question everything, even the things that are important to you; the Bible, your faith, your relationships with people. You are constantly seeking new information, new interpretations, different answers and opinions. You are willing to change your mind and your opinions if new, stronger evidence presents itself. You are not afraid to try new things in order to figure out how you feel about or your opinion on something. Smart people are like you; they are dynamic. They are open to growth. They do not accept being the same person, or believing or knowing the same things for the rest of their lives.

You want to learn new things. I recall having many debates and deep conversations with you about the differences in religions, moral and ethical foundations, and various concepts. Your face lights up during those conversations, and you always contribute something profound.

You are positive and accepting. You don’t try to change people or force them to believe the same things that you do. You accept them for who they are and where they stand. You recognize that differences are what make our society unique and don’t try to bury them by pressuring people to be on your side. I admire you for the way you let people exist as who they are and love them for it.

You interpret things. You find more than one way of looking at things in each book you read, piece of art you observe, and movie you watch. You are not always okay with what is at the surface, instead you probe deeper to the meanings that are hidden.

I see your brilliance in the way you create. You see the world in more colors than I could ever imagine exist. You knit your ideas and perspective together in each piece you paint, draw, photograph, doodle, sketch. There is meaning in each masterpiece you create, and you always manage to take something away from even the toughest works of art.

I see your genius in the way you make order from chaos. You can find anything you’re looking for, even when your room is a mess, your mind is muddled, your heart is confused, or you forget where you put things. You always manage to pull through and come out on top, even when the odds are against you.

You know yourself. You know what works best for you, what your limits are. You are not afraid to stand up for that knowledge, even when it doesn’t make sense to others.

You are more than just a good GPA; that doesn’t make someone intelligent. You are more than your ditzy moments, your artwork, your messy room, your jokes, your beautiful face, your body. You have a brain in between those ears, a good head on your shoulders, and a love for life that many envy. I admire, respect, and love you for it. Don’t ever forget your worth.